New owners welcomed to Hartlepool by Supporters Trust

Richard Mennear

Officials from the Hartlepool United Supporters Trust have welcomed the club’s new owners JPNG and say they look forward to working with them.

JPNG have taken over at the League Two side after Increased Oil Recovery (IOR) announced they had sold the club.

Gary Coxall is the club’s new chairman, after Ken Hodcroft left after 18 years at the helm, with new director Peter Goldberg also joining the club, working alongside chief executive Russ Green.

A spokesman for the Trust say it is a “critical time” of its formation, with full verification expected in the next few days.

They want to work closely with JPNG for the “future benefit of the club” and the supporters.

Phil Dunn, Trust spokesman, said. “We are tremendously excited about the future of Hartlepool United Football Club under the new owners, and feel that they have the drive and ambition to take the club forward over the coming years.

“The newly-formed Supporters Trust will be seeking to help the club in any way that it can over the coming months and feel that a good working relationship with the owners can only benefit the club and the fans.”

Mr Dunn added: “The timing of the formation of The Trust, coupled with JPNG’s takeover at the club, couldn’t really be better.

“It’s a big, big chance for a new beginning, a new relationship between the two parties who, after all, have a common goal - success for Hartlepool United Football Club on and off the field.

“The town is buzzing again after last season’s Great Escape and in Ronnie Moore, Pools fans know we have the right man in charge to make good progress this season.

“We must be thankful for the work Ken Hodcroft and IOR have put in over the years, and especially the appointment of Ronnie Moore last season.

“Now is the time to move forward, and hopefully relegation battles will be a distant memory by May.”

The Supporters Trust will be making a further announcement soon regarding a membership drive and taking nominations for its elected board.